I was trying to resist going out to dinner tonight and needed a quick at-home meal idea that would satisfy so I could say no to spending money in restaurants. I am inspired by a blog called Blogging Away Debt to avoid spending money on dining out until my student loans are paid off. The blog is all about this woman's efforts to pay down her debts. She write about the choices she has to make and how life can sometimes get in the way of good intentions. After looking at our household finances last weekend, I have made some decisions about spending and saving and want to stick to them.
I have even gone so far as to implement Thrifty Thursdays at our house for dinner. By Thursday we both have a yen to go out to eat, but instead we’ve turned Thursdays to a day to look forward to by making cheap comfort meals—last week we had chicken nachos, and this week we had the ultimate comfort food: grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Granted, I stuffed some goodies from the pantry (sundried tomato and artichoke hearts) into our sandwiches, but we spent less overall. I mean really, the last time I went out to eat at a mid-price sit-down type place, I was charged $2.75 for soda.
Speaking of saving, Have you seen the new Budget Bites blog by Catherine? Her first post is about a challenge to feed herself and her husband for a week using a box of Bisquick and $25! It is certainly not an easy task, but she puts together some pretty amazing meals with lots of creativity and smart planning.
So, back to tonight’s dinner. I’ve figured out what can keep me from talking my husband into going out to eat: breakfast for dinner. I am making good, old Bisquick pancakes, sausages and Quick and Easy Home Fries. I plan to use up some ripe bananas and to whip up a bit of cream that is nearing its expiry date. Every bit will help get that loan amount to zero. Now, only if my husband would wait on me and do all the dishes.